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PRESS: September highlights at The Drama Factory
- Theatre Scene Cape Town
- Aug 24
- 5 min read
Christine Skinner
Comedy, beautiful ballet, plenty of great music and captivating cabaret await at The Drama Factory!
“Don’t delay to book for Effens Anders with Aletta Francina on 27 August and Mel die Storieverteller on 30 August is sold out,” says Sue Diepeveen, founder of The Drama Factory.
“We are delighted to welcome back Cape Ballet Africa with the premiere of a new programme; cabaret favourite Daniel Anderson in his latest show and fresh from his sold-out run of Vincent in London; David Muller in the acclaimed Blood & Silver, a range of fabulous music and more.”
The forthcoming shows includes:
BLOOD & SILVER
Starring David Muller as Jan Glazewski
Directed by Fred Abrahamse
Dramady
4 September 19h306 and 7 September 15h30
Tickets cost R210 / R180
From acclaimed memoir to stage, Blood & Silver tells the extraordinary true story of Jan Glazewski. Living with daunting physical challenges and life’s toughest setbacks, Jan’s unshakable determination and wry humour carry him through near-impossible odds. In this gripping one-man play, David Muller embodies Jan’s journey with heart, grit, and flashes of comedy, under Fred Abrahamse’s masterful direction. He is celebrated for his bold visual storytelling and acclaimed productions across South Africa and abroad, while David Muller has been hailed as a masterful storyteller, effortlessly shifting between humour and heartbreak. Together, they create an evening of theatre that is both deeply personal and universally resonant – a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of the human will. David Muller brings decades of stagecraft to this transformative solo performance, capturing Jan Glazewski’s fierce wit and indomitable spirit with nuance and authenticity. Under Fred Abrahamse’s award-winning direction, the production strips theatre back to its essence – one actor, one story, and an unflinching truth told with theatrical daring. Critics rave:
“Compelling and beautifully performed” – Robyn Cohen
“A triumph of storytelling and spirit” – Philip Todres
Limited run – book now to experience this unforgettable story!
NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC
With James Stewart & John Ellis
James Stewart & John Ellis
Live Music
5 September 19h30
Tickets cost R230 / R210
After wowing audiences with their Sting Celebration, this multi-award-winning duo returns with Now That’s What I Call Music, a celebration of the great songwriting of the 80s. This isn’t imitation, but a fresh, soulful spin on classics. With their charismatic chemistry, James and John transform familiar tunes into something entirely new. Expect hits from Simple Minds, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, The Police, U2, Bryan Adams, Crowded House and more. These award-winning artists continue to sell out venues - don’t miss an unforgettable night of musical magic, great songs and inspired storytelling.
PETIT GISELLR SALT-ED
Cape Ballet Africa
Dance
10, 11 and 12 September 19h00
13 September 14h00 and 18h00
14 September 16h00
Tickets cost R280
One programme, two ballets. Experience exquisite excepts from Maina Gielgud's traditional Giselle, paired with highlights from the acclaimed SALT. Six performances only for Cape Ballet Africa’s Petite Giselle and SALT-ed at The Drama Factory. Following two previous sold-out runs at The Drama Factory, Cape Ballet Africa returns to premiere a new programme for six performances only at the venue. Experience the magic of one programme, two ballets with this dynamic ballet company’s Petite Giselle and SALT- ed. Enjoy exquisite excerpts from Maina Gielgud’s traditional Giselle, paired with Michelle Reid’s sizzling Smoke, which is part of Cape Ballet Africa’s much-lauded triple bill SALT. Additionally, The Drama Factory audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy the first South African performances of Kirsten Isenberg’s new pas de deux, Nocturne, which premiered at the prestigious international Benois de la Danse 2025. Choreographed by Maina Gielgud, Cape Ballet Africa presents selected highlights from popular classic Giselle, a romantic story of innocent love and betrayal.
THE TRAMP
Daniel Anderson (Actor), Paul Ferreira (Pianist), Amanda Bothma (Director/Writer)
Produced by Wêla Kapela Productions
Cabaret
19 September 19h30
20 September at 15h00
21 September at 16h00
From the creators of the multi-award winning Vincent – His Quest To Love and Be Loved, comes a brand-new musical about the life of comedic genius, Charlie Chaplin - The Tramp, a pocket musical with a Giant Heart. A bold new musical explores the lost soul of Charlie Chaplin’s most iconic creation – and the man behind the legend. This compact yet emotionally expansive musical breathes fresh life into Charlie Chaplin’s legendary alter ego, giving voice to the silent figure who helped shape the golden age of cinema —and who was ultimately cast aside. In Bothma’s hands, the Tramp is no longer just a bowler-hatted mime. He is memory and emotion incarnate—the one who held young Charlie’s hand as he entered the London workhouse after his mother’s breakdown. He is the creative impulse behind Chaplin’s trailblazing fusion of comedy and pathos, the spirit who dared to drag clowning into tragedy. “A ten-out-of-ten production” – Robyn Sassen, MYVIEW
BACCHUS TOT BEKKER
Met: Amore Bekker
Regie: Tobie Cronjé
Photo Credits: Johan Botha
Comedy/Lifestyle
Warning: PG10
24 Sept 15h00
Is dit moontlik om iemand te vertrou wat nie wyn drink nie? Miskien…? Hoekom sal jy nooit weer ‘n glas rooiwyn met ‘n muggie in drink nie? In hierdie viering van die druppels van die druif ontmoet jy Bachus wat hierdie nektar mildelik met ons deel. Van Papsak tot Pinotage, Chardonnay tot Chenin Blanc kom lag, pik ‘n traan en drink ‘n glasie wyn. Tjorts!! Jy het haar gehoor, nou kan jy haar sien, Amore sonder grense. Sluit aan by Amore Bekker vir 'n onvergeetlike ervaring van wyn, lag en storievertelling in Bacchus tot Bekker. Hierdie produksie, geskik vir ouderdomme 10 en ouer, neem jou op 'n reis deur die wêreld van wyn, wat jou nostalgies gaan laat en ook lekker laat lag. Ontmoet ook vir Bachus, die god van wyn, wat sy passie vir die beste oesjare deel.Hierdie vertoning is 'n viering van die vreugde van wyn en goeie geselskap. Of jy nou 'n wynkenner is of bloot iemand wat 'n goeie glas waardeer, Bachus tot Bekker is 'n vermaaklike en vreugdevolle ervaring wat jou met 'n nuwe waardering vir die kuns van wynmaak sal laat kyk. Kom deel 'n glasie (of twee). Prost!
MUSIC FROM THE MUSICALS
Performed by Werner van Coller, Corniël Calitz, Mari de Beer, Madré Beukes, Janine Coetzee and Karlien Venter accompanied by Thinus Ries on piano and Jolani Klopper on violin
Music
28 September 16h00
Guelph Theatre Kleinmond presents a live performance of Music form the Musicals featuring Werner van Coller, Corniël Calitz, Mari de Beer, Madré Beukes, Janine Coetzee and Karlien Venter accompanied by Thinus Ries on piano and Jolani Klopper on violin in a repertoire of the most beautiful songs from The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, les Misérables and Andrew Lloyd Webber. This will be an afternoon not to be missed.
Bookings for all shows can be made at www.thedramafactory.co.za or contact 073 215 2290.
With its fully licensed bar and cosy, welcoming atmosphere, The Drama Factory is the perfect venue to enjoy top-quality entertainment with a group of friends or family. The solar-powered invertor ensures the show will always go on, even when there is load-shedding!
Make a staycation of a visit to The Drama Factory, booking in with one of their wonderful accommodation partners. Spend the night at The Views Guesthouse, 185 on Beach or Majorca House to enjoy the beauty and many other activities on offer in the surrounding Helderberg region. Visit the website for further details.
The Drama Factory is situated at 10 Comprop Sq, Henry Vos Close, Asla Business Park, Strand, Western Cape. Parking is available at the venue.
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Website https://www.dramafactory.co.za/